Monday, June 20, 2016

Think a smartwatch is only
a cool gadget for people who want to feel like Dick Tracy? Think again. These
devices are changing people's lives. For some users, smartwatches are shaving a
few minutes off their daily schedules or cutting down on the amount of time
they spend checking their phones for emails and texts. Beyond message checking,
however, discover the following seven ways that a smartwatch could enhance your
daily living.

You don't have to
obsessively check for missed messages; your watch will vibrate to let you know
when these messages arrive. You can put your phone in your purse or on the
table and not touch it for hours. Many users are finding this liberation from
their phones worth the price of the watch, even if freedom from constantly
checking the phone was the only benefit.

If you're using an AppleWatch from T-Mobile, then you also have the added benefit of their 4G LTE
network, making sure you never miss a notification.

Get Sleek Navigation

You could find your way
around town with your phone or tablet, but you can't walk around discreetly. Walking around with your nose buried in your phone's screen isn't smart for all
situations.

With a smartwatch, you can
glance at your wrist every few blocks to check your route, and you'll still
remain confident and in control of your surroundings.

Become Healthier

Smartwatches have
integrated health apps that make the devices as valuable as most wearable
fitness trackers. Monitoring workouts, steps, and calories have been popular
among athletes and bodybuilders for years, but many average or out-of-shape
people weren't interested.

With a smartwatch on
their wrists, however, more people are discovering fascinating data about
diet and exercise habits, plus the convenience and access to information
can motivate them to lose weight and get in shape.

Spy With Your Little Eye

Wish you had eyes in the
back of your head? Well, you do now.

An app called LookBehind
lets you live stream video from your phone or tablet camera to your watch.
This feature lets you see what's behind you, around corners, or in tight spaces
when you're repairing engines, plumbing, or ductwork. Of course, if you're a
professional spy or private eye, you'll likely find more uses for this
app.

Stop Losing Your Phone

Do you misplace your phone
regularly? If you pick up your phone less often to check messages, you might
lose track of your mobile device more often than you care to admit. Luckily,
you can find apps that will help you find your phone any time it wanders off or
gets left at home.

Check Your Speeds

Thanks to its internal
sensors, your watch can also be readily turned into a speedometer, so it can
track your speeds when you're biking, walking, or jogging.

Most apps that track speed
will also keep records over time and let you view your averages and chart your
improvements over time. A smartwatch can also be pressed into service if the
speedometer in your vehicle malfunctions.

Could Your Smartwatch Save Your Life?

Dennis Anselmo was having
some flu-like symptoms that he considered "nothing unusual." While he
waited for the sick feeling to pass, he started experimenting with his new
Apple Watch. The device informed him that his pulse was abnormal, which
prompted Anselmo to get medical help immediately. The watch is getting
credit for protecting Anselmo from a heart attack and possibly saving his
life. In the future, smartwatches could become capable of much more advanced
medical monitoring.

You'll find many other ways
for apps to take advantage of your watch's internal sensors. For example, you
can use your smartwatch as a compass or as a level. New apps are
developed all the time for this convenient emerging form of wearable
technology. Indeed, the possibilities for your smartwatch to enhance your
daily life can seem almost endless.